The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced investigation into the collision between container vessel, MV Maersk Valparaiso, and oil tanker, MT Lady Martina, at Bonny Anchorage in Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred on 20 May 2026, has been classified by the Bureau as a Very Serious Marine Casualty.
In a statement by its Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, NSIB said it activated its marine occurrence response protocols immediately after receiving notification of the incident.
According to the statement, an investigation Go-Team was deployed to Onne and Bonny on 22 May to commence evidence preservation and preliminary investigative activities.
The Bureau disclosed that investigators boarded both vessels and conducted interviews with the Masters and key crew members, while operational records and navigational data linked to the incident were secured.
It added that the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) data from MV Maersk Valparaiso had been successfully downloaded for forensic and navigational analysis.
The statement noted that in line with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Casualty Investigation Code and international obligations, NSIB had formally notified the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) of Singapore as a substantially interested State.
It also said it had commenced collaborative engagement with relevant local and international stakeholders as part of the investigation process.
NSIB assured the public and maritime stakeholders that the investigation would be conducted with professionalism, independence and thoroughness, stressing that the objective was to determine the causal and contributory factors of the occurrence and enhance maritime safety.
It warned against speculation on the probable causes of the incident, noting that investigations were still ongoing.
It added that any urgent safety concerns identified during the investigation would attract immediate safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences and strengthening maritime safety standards.
NSIB further stated that the final investigation report would be published upon completion of the exercise in line with national regulations and international obligations.
